All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) Announces Schedule of Support Group Meetings & Workshop

ATLANTA - Aug. 14, 2013 - PRLog -- All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) has announced its August - December 2013 schedule of support programs and workshops, an element of its Family Support Center (FSC), located at AADD’s offices in Decatur. The FSC serves individuals and families living with developmental disabilities in metro Atlanta and across Georgia, offering assistance during difficult life transitions. Support groups are designed for moms, dads, siblings and entire families, empowering them to make informed choices that build on their strengths.

“For people living with developmental disabilities, everyday life is full of challenges,” said Kathy Keeley, AADD’s executive director. “There are emotional, physical and financial issues. AADD’s support groups and workshops are designed to assist individuals with different perspectives navigate all of these.”

All groups and workshops will meet at the AADD Family Support Center, located at 125 Clairemont Avenue, Suite 300, Decatur, GA 30030.

Monthly Support Groups

Moms Support Group

For moms of all ages who parent children living with developmental disabilities.  Meets Tuesdays from 6 – 7:30 pm, August 27, September 17, October 15, and November 19.

Dads Support Group

For dads of all ages who parent children living with developmental disabilities. Meets Tuesdays from 6 – 7:30 pm, September 3, October 1, November 5 and December 3.

Siblings Support Group

For adults 18 and older who have a sibling living with a developmental disability. Meets Thursdays from 6 – 7:30 pm, August 29, September 26, October 24 and December 5.

Co-ed Social Group

For young adults ages 20 - 30 living with developmental disabilities. Meets Thursdays from 6 – 7:30 pm, August 22, September 19, October 17 and November 21.

Special Events
Sept. 10 and 24: Waiver Workshops. These workshops will teach families how the disability waiver process works.  6 - 8 p.m. Sept. 10 will be for families new to NOW/COMP. Sept. 24 will be for families new to Self Direct.

Oct. 8: Dating, Sexuality and Developmental Disabilities.  Dr. Roy Sanders will speak at this session, the first in an ongoing series on dating and sexuality. Dr. Sanders is Medical Director of The Marcus Autism Center and is an assistant professor of psychiatry at the Emory University School of Medicine.  6 - 8 p.m.

Nov. 14: Women’s Wellness
Dr. Vergena Clark  will speak on women’s wellness issues.  Dr. Clark is the managing director of IKOR of Central Atlanta.  6 - 8 p.m.

To participate in a group or attend a special event, or for more information, please email Elayne Powell at elayne@aadd.org.

All About Developmental Disabilities
Founded in 1956,All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) is an Atlanta-based non-profit organization dedicated to creating lifelong support, education and opportunities for children, adults and families living with developmental disabilities.  AADD provides support services, advocacy and training to families living with developmental disabilities.

Developmental disabilities are defined as severe chronic disabilities that limit three or more critical functional abilities.  Examples include Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism disorders, fetal alcohol disorders and intellectual disabilities.  These disabilities often manifest early in life (before age 22) and last a lifetime.

Georgia relies on a disjointed system of services and support that cannot be sustained long-term.  Economic uncertainties are reducing funding support, even as the number of people in need increases.  AADD offers a range of services focusing on Family Support, Public Policy and Advocacy and Community Engagement.  For more information, go towww.AADD.org or call us at (404) 881-9777.

Contact: Mitch Leff, Leff & Associates, (404) 861-4769, mitch@leffassociates.com